Automated covering for an automobile

ABSTRACT

A vehicle is equipped with an automated device for covering the windows of the vehicle. The device comprises a collection container, a plurality of the extensions attached to the collection container, a motor attached to the collection container to rotate the collection container, and a covering attached to the plurality of extensions and sized to cover the windows of the vehicle. The rotation of the collection container extends and retracts the plurality of extensions which results in the deployment of the covering over the windows of the vehicle and the collection of the covering from the windows of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of extensions comprises malleable metal strips with eyelets at the end of the metal strips. The eyelets and the metal strips are positioned within sleeves or channels which are made integral to the covering. The covering includes a reflective fabric that is substantially opaque to sunlight.

APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT

[0001] Be it known that we, Thomas C. Rhea, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at P.O. Box 968, Franklin, TENN. 37065, Jerry R.Johnson, a citizen of the United States residing at 1609 Dunraven Drive,Raleigh, N.C. 27612; Mitchell Steven Troublefield, a citizen of theUnited States, residing at 400 Teal Lake Drive, Holly Springs, N.C.27540; have invented a new and useful “Automated Covering for anAutomobile.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an automated coveringfor an automobile, and more specifically to a sunshade thatautomatically deploys to cover the windows of an automobile andautomatically retracts to a centralized location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Automobiles are subject to a so-called “greenhouse effect”. Thiswell understood scientific phenomenon results when short wave heatradiation from the sun traverses the glass windows of a vehicle and isabsorbed by the material internal to the vehicle. This results in theheating of the passenger portion of the automobile. Also, the glasswindows of an automobile are opaque to the longer wave heat radiationemitted from the heated material. As such, the glass acts as a conduitfor the heat from the sun to enter the vehicle and as a deterrent forthe heat generated by the heating of the material within the vehiclefrom escaping back out of the glass. As a result, the temperature insidethe vehicle will rise to until equilibrium is reached between the heatconducted out through the walls and roof of the vehicle and the amountof heat entering through the windows.

[0004] Automobiles are also heated through the conduction of heatthrough the walls and roof of the automobile. This is due to the factthat the insulation in the roof and walls of typical automobiles is afraction of what is needed to reduce the inward conduction of heat intothe vehicle.

[0005] As a result, the temperature of the interior of automobiles thatare parked in the sun in hot climates can rise to as much as 150°Fahrenheit. After existing in this condition for a while, not only isthe air in the automobile very hot, but all of the material in theinterior of the automobile, including the dashboard, seats, armrests,etc., are very hot as well. This heat penetrates to a depth of severalinches and reduces the useful life of the interior of the automobile. Itcan take upwards of twenty (20) minutes for even the best automobileair-conditioner to cool the interior of an automobile to a comfortabletemperature.

[0006] Several devices have been developed in an attempt to reduce theheat build up in automobiles. For example, tinted glass is used todeflect some of the heat from the sun's rays before it enters in thevehicle. However, due to the limitations by most state transportationdepartments, it is illegal to tint the windows to a level thatadequately reflects the sunlight. Also, the tinted glass does not helpinsulate the roof or the walls of the vehicle.

[0007] Other attempts to combat this problem have resulted in thedevelopment of windshield reflectors. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,291,934, issued to Ouvrard, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,040, issued toPeng Hsieh, et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,560, issued to Cherngdiscloses power operated sunshades for automobiles comprising extensionrods that are placed within the vehicle in an effort to reduce theamount of heat from the sun within the vehicle. All of these prior artpatents have drawbacks in that they take up valuable space within thevehicle, are not aesthetically pleasing, and do not adequately reduceall of the heat within a vehicle because they provide no protection forthe roof of the vehicle or the side windows of the vehicle.

[0008] Other prior art devices have been used in an attempt to reducethe level of heat within a vehicle. For example, several vehicle coversexist which require manual placement over the vehicle in order to blockthe sunlight from entering the vehicle. A few automated systems exist,including U.S. Pat. No. 4,432,581, issued to Guma and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2002/0033616 A1 issued to Schlecht et al.However, these devices are bulky and cumbersome. These devices alsorequires numerous adaptations made to the vehicle in order to supportthe cover.

[0009] Thus, it is seen that there is need in the art for an automatedcovering for a vehicle used to protect the vehicle and block sunlightfrom entering the vehicle thereby reducing the internal temperature ofthe vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A vehicle is equipped with an automated device for covering itswindows. The device comprises a collection container, a plurality ofextensions attached to the collection container, a motor attached to thecollection container to rotate the collection container, and a coveringattached to the plurality of extensions and sized to cover the windowsof the vehicle. The rotation of the collection container extends andretracts the plurality of extensions which results in the deployment ofthe covering over the windows of the vehicle and the collection of thecovering from the windows of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, theplurality of extensions comprises malleable metal strips with eyelets atthe end of the metal strips. The eyelets and the metal strips arepositioned within sleeves or channels which are made integral to thecovering. The covering includes a reflective fabric that issubstantially opaque to sunlight. The device includes a base attached tothe collection container and positioned to attach to either the roof ofthe vehicle, the top of the trunk of the vehicle, within the trunk ofthe vehicle, or under the hood of the vehicle. The device furtherincludes a top attached to the collection container and position toretain the covering when the plurality of extensions are retracted andthe covering is collected.

[0011] It will be noted that, for the sake of convenience, the followingdescription will be written in terms of an automated device for coveringthe windows of an automobile (or car); however, such is for convenienceonly. The skilled artisan will recognize that the inventive device isequally applicable to other vehicles, such as trucks, boats, airplanesand the like.

[0012] Several methods of deploying and collecting a covering are alsodisclosed. One method of deploying a covering over the windows of anautomobile includes attaching a covering to a plurality of extensionsand radially extending the plurality of extensions from a centralizedlocation. A method of collecting the covering from the windows ofautomobiles includes attaching a covering to a plurality of extensionsand radially retracting the plurality of extensions to a centralizedlocation.

[0013] A method for covering and uncovering the windows of automobilesis also included. This method includes attaching a covering to aplurality of cables, attaching the cables around a plurality ofcylinders, routing the plurality of cables along at least one track, androtating the plurality of cylinders.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the device is called an automobilesunshade and comprises a large piece of cloth and two primary mechanicalsub-assemblies: Lower and Upper.

[0015] In this embodiment, the cloth is of a size and shape to cover theroof of a car and all the windows (including the windshield). It iscomposed of at least 2 layers of fabric which are nearly opaque tosunlight. The outer layer is also highly reflective.

[0016] In this embodiment, the lower sub-assembly extends and retractsthe cloth by extending and retracting a plurality of semi-stiff metalstrips which are positioned in an equal number of separate “sleeves”which are sewn in the cloth. In a typical embodiment, useful for mostautomobiles, including SUVs, 30 such strips are employed. Each sleevebegins near the center of the cloth and traverses a unique path to apoint near the edge of the cloth so that no point on the cloth isfurther from a sleeve than that needed to ensure full retraction andcollection of the cloth (typically this distance is about 10 inches) andso that each sleeve is the same length as all the others. The externalend of each metal strip is fastened to the cloth at its terminationpoint in its sleeve near the edge of the cloth. As the metal strips areextended, the external end of each strip pushes its termination point onthe cloth out away from the center. Since all the cloth is “gathered”near the center before the process of extension begins, the metal stripsslide through the sleeves except for the termination point, which isfastened to the end of the metal strip. When the strips are fullyextended, the cloth is fully deployed. Retracting the metal stripsreverses the process, gathering the cloth. When the cloth is tightlygathered around the center, the retraction process is complete.

[0017] In this embodiment, the internal end of each metal stripterminates near the center of the “drum.” Three “drum spacers” aresandwiched in between the disks. There are, therefore, three “drumsectors,” each of which is defined by a spacer and its two adjacentdisks. The internal end of each metal strip is fastened near the centerof a drum sector. In the instance where there are 30 strips, ten metalstrips proceed from each sector. Each drum spacer is a little bitthicker than the width of a metal strip so that there is space to allowthe strips to be wound, and unwound, around the center of the drum whenthe drum is rotated in one direction or the other. Around the peripheryof the drum are a plurality of “rollers” which are somewhat longer thanthe total thickness of the drum. Each roller has several circumferentialgrooves. The width and spacing of the grooves are such that whenpositioned next to the drum, the disks are inserted into the grooves.The rollers are mounted in such a way as to allow them to rotate whenthe drum rotates. The metal strips are positioned so that one strip fromeach drum sector extends from the space between two adjacent rollers.When the metal strips are fully extended, the external end of each is atthe edge of the drum. Therefore, when they are extended, they allprotrude from the drum an equal amount.

[0018] In this embodiment, a gear is fastened to the top of the drum toallow a motor to rotate the drum in both directions. One or moredevices, which protrude above the gear, push an “indexer” as the drumrotates. This allows electrical switches to be automatically activatedwhen the drum is rotated to the two extreme points of the metal strippositions: fully extended and fully retracted.

[0019] In this embodiment, the upper assembly includes at least twoseparate designs. The first design of this upper assembly includes a lidfor the entire mechanism and a mechanical system which can raise the lidto allow the cloth to be deployed and lower it when the cloth is fullyretracted. The lift system uses a rotating screw driven by a motor toprovide the vertical motion. To make the system compact, a doubletelescoping screw design can be used in which the first screw ishollowed out and threaded inside. A smaller screw is then inserted. Thisgives almost twice the vertical movement for a given height, or screwlength.

[0020] The second design of this upper assembly includes a lid for theentire mechanism and a series of “flaps” around the periphery which canbe opened to allow the cloth to be deployed or closed when the cloth isfully retracted. The flaps are connected to the lid by hinges. “Rods”are positioned approximately radially from near the center of themechanism. The outer end of each rod is connected to a flap in such away that when a rod is pushed outwards from the center of the mechanism,its corresponding flap opens. Similarly pulling a rod towards the centerof the mechanism closes a flap. The inner end of each rod terminates ata small disk in the center and is mounted in such a way that when thedisk rotates a few degrees, the rods are pushed towards, or pulled awayfrom, the outer edge of the mechanism, thus opening or closing theflaps. A motor and gears provide torque to this disk.

[0021] In this embodiment, there are other components to this embodimentof the system. For example, to keep the cloth from deploying in aposition that is out of alignment from the intended one, and to providea measure of vertical restraint to the cloth in wind, there are four“tracks” that extend from the drum to the four corners of the top of theautomobile. Small “sliders” can travel along the tracks. A small“eyebolt” is extends up from each slider. A hole is cut in eachcorner-most sleeve of the cloth near the position of the corner of thetop of the automobile to allow the eyebolt to be inserted and to clamploosely around the metal strip therein. Then when the cloth is deployed,the metal strip slides through the eyebolt until the portion of thecloth between the corner and the eyebolt is no longer gathered. At thispoint the slider is forced to slide to the corner of the top of the carwhere it restrains the cloth in all directions except along thedirection of the track. Sliders are located also at points ⅓ and ⅔ ofthe distance from the corner of the top of the car to the center of themechanism.

[0022] Another component in this embodiment is the electrical controlsystem. This system directs the operation of the motors in propersequence and senses the “limit switches” to determine when motors shouldbe turned off. This system is connected to the central locking system ofthe car so that when the doors are locked, the device will deploy thecloth automatically; similarly, when the doors are unlocked, the devicewill retract the cloth. An override switch is available to preventdeploying if desired.

[0023] A second embodiment of the device uses a sunshade deploymentmechanism that is incorporated into the design of an automobile body. Inthis second embodiment, the forward portion of the trunk lid is a flapmounted on hinges. Extending from this flap are tracks that proceed upthe edges of the rear window, forward along the edges of the roof of thecar, and down along the sides of the windshield. These tracks are“internal” in the sense that they have no noticeable external features,but there is a slit along the full length of each track. Within eachslit is a mechanical cable that runs its full length. Attached to thecloth are sliders that slide along the tracks. The first slider on eachside is also attached to its corresponding cable. As the cables move,the cloth is thus pulled along.

[0024] In this second embodiment, the cloth is stored in a compartmentin or on the trunk. The design may be inverted front-to-back so that theflap and mechanism are in the back portion of the hood instead of thefront portion of the trunk. When the cloth is to be deployed, the flapon the front of the trunk lid opens, and the cables hidden within thetracks pull the cloth out of the trunk and over the car. About 3-4sleeves running the full length of the cloth contain lighter weightcables that are attached at the front edge of the cloth. When the clothis being retracted, these cables are pulled at the same speed as thecables inside the tracks and help to fully gather the cloth. When thecloth is being deployed, these cables are disengaged from their drivemechanism so that they can be pulled along easily by the advancing frontedge of the cloth. In all embodiments, in order to provide more thermalinsulation, the portion of the cloth that covers the roof of the car maybe inflatable or otherwise designed to stand off from the surface of theroof.

[0025] For automobiles with no trunk, such as minivans and SUVs, therear hatch could be made to be “thicker” than normal and could containan internal compartment with a flap, or an external compartment thatcontains the cloth and the drive mechanism.

[0026] It is therefore a general object of the present invention toprovide an automated covering for a vehicle such as an automobile.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to keep sunlight fromtransmitting through the windows of the vehicle in order keep fromheating the interior of the vehicle.

[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to preventsunlight from increasing the temperature of the roof of the vehicle andthereby allowing conduction of heat inward to the interior of thevehicle

[0029] Still another object of the present invention to provide acovering that is automatically deployed over the top and windows ofvehicle.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a devicethat is automatically collected from around the windows and top of avehicle.

[0031] Still another object of the present invention is to provide acloth covering that is highly reflective and substantially opaque tolight in order to cover the top and windows of a vehicle.

[0032] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide acovering for a vehicle that is deployable and retractable along trackspositioned along the top of the vehicle.

[0033] And yet still another object of the present invention is toprovide covering that is deployable and retractable that the use ofextensions that move radially with respect to a centralized location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle with the devicepositioned on the roof of the vehicle in a retracted manner.

[0035]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle with the device deployedand covering the roof and windows of the vehicle.

[0036]FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of the currentinvention showing the plurality of extensions radiating from a centrallocation.

[0037]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of one embodiment of thecurrent invention showing a partial cut away of the relationship betweenthe extensions and the sleeves of the covering.

[0038]FIG. 5 is a perspective expanded view of the drum and baseincluding the plurality of guides to direct the plurality of extensionsinto the drum.

[0039]FIG. 6A is a perspective assembled view of the drum and theplurality of guides shown in FIG. 5.

[0040]FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the drum and the plurality ofguides shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A.

[0041]FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the currentinvention showing the base, drum, and top in a raised manner to allowthe deployment and collection of the covering. For ease of illustrationthe extensions guides and covering are not shown.

[0042]FIG. 8A is a side view of one embodiment of the top showing theflaps in a closed position.

[0043]FIG. 8B is a side view similar to FIG. 8A showing the flaps ofthis embodiment of the top in a raised position. For ease ofillustration the extensions guides and covering are not shown.

[0044]FIG. 8C is a bottom view of the top shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG.8C shows the flaps of this embodiment of the top in an opened position.

[0045]FIG. 9 is a top view of one embodiment of the current inventionshowing the tracks extending operatively out from the base toward thefour corners of the top of the vehicle. The covering in thisillustration is retracted within the top and base of the device.

[0046]FIG. 10a is a top view of an automobile with an alternateembodiment of the current invention attached to the trunk of theautomobile and tracks extended from the trunk of the automobile to thebase of the front windshield.

[0047]FIG. 10b shows a top view similar to FIG. 10a FIG. 10b shows thecovering partially deployed.

[0048]FIG. 10c shows top view similar to FIGS. 10a and 10 b. FIG. 10cshows the covering fully deployed.

[0049]FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the relationship between thesliding guide and the track.

[0050]FIG. 12 shows a partial cut away view of the relationship betweenthe sliding guide, covering, extension, and track.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 1, an automated device 10 covering thewindows 12 of an automobile 14 is generally shown. FIG. 2 shows thedevice 10 with the covering 16, which could also be described as a cloth16, deployed over the automobile 14.

[0052] As seen in FIG. 4, the device 10 comprises a collection container18, which could also be described as a drum 18 or a spool 18. The device10 further comprises a plurality of extensions 20, also called aplurality of malleable strips 20 or a plurality of semi-stiff metalstrips 20, attached to the collection container 18, a motor 22 attachedto the collection container 18 to rotate the collection container 18,and a covering 16 attached to the plurality of extensions 20 and sizedto cover the windows 12 of an automobile 14.

[0053] The device 10 further includes a base 24 attached to thecollection container 18 to position to engage the automobile 14. Thebase can include connection slots 26 designed to facilitate attachmentof the device 10 to the automobile 14. This connection can be by anymeans known to attach an item to a vehicle including but not limited tostraps, fasteners, magnets, bolts, welding, and the like. If theautomobile 14 is equipped with a luggage rack (not shown), theconnection slots 26 of the base 24 can attach to the luggage rack.

[0054] The device 10 further includes a top 28 attached to thecollection container 18 and positioned to retain the covering 16 whenthe plurality of extensions 20 are retracted. As seen in FIG. 7, oneembodiment of the top 28 includes a dome shape lid 30 and a liftingmotor 32 attached to the lid 30 and positioned to raise and lower thelid 30. This raising and lower of the lid 30 permits the extension andretraction of the plurality of extensions 20. It also allows thecovering 16 to be deployed when the device 10 is activated and allowsfor protection of the covering 16 and the plurality of extensions 20when the device 10 is not in use.

[0055] As seen in FIGS. 8a and 8 b, a second embodiment of the topincludes a stationary lid 31, a plurality of rods 34 extending radiallyfrom a cylinder 36 attached to the stationary lid 31, and a plurality ofadjustable adjuncts 38, which can also be described as flaps 38, hingedto the stationary lid 31. Each adjunct 38 is attached to one of the rods34 such that rotation of the cylinder 36 opens and closes the pluralityof adjustable adjuncts 38.

[0056] As seen in FIGS. 8a and 8 b, the plurality of flaps 38 are hingedto the stationary lid 31 and are loosely attached to each adjacent flap38. This connection allows for ease of operation in the opening andclosing of the plurality of flaps 38 during operation of the device 10.The plurality of rods 34 are attached to the plurality of flaps 38 insuch a manner as to reduce snagging of the covering 16 as the covering16 is deployed and retracted from the device 10. The lid 31 is shown inan octagon shape. However, the lid 31 can be circular or take anypolygonal shape and still maintain its functionality.

[0057] The top 28 also includes safety features used to control theopening and closing of the top 28. For example, in one embodiment of thetop 28, limits switches (not shown) and gears (not shown) control smallrotation of a cylinder 36 to which the plurality of rods 34 areattached. This allows the required movement in the plurality of flapswith a small amount of rotation in the cylinder 36.

[0058] In another embodiment of the top 28, the dome shaped lid 30 usesa large rotating screw (not shown) driven by the lifting motor 32 toprovide the vertical motion for the dome shaped lid 30. This largerotating screw can be a double telescoping screw which comprises a largescrew with internal threads accepting a smaller screw (not shown)allowing for almost twice the vertical movement for a given screwlength.

[0059] As seen in FIG. 4, the covering 16 includes a plurality ofsleeves 40, which can also be called a plurality of channels 40, madeinto the covering 16 that are shaped to receive one of the extensions20. The extensions 20 include attachment ends 42, also called eyelets42, connecting each extension 20 to the covering 16. The attachment ends42 anchor into the farthest extremity 41 of each sleeve 40. Thisconnection facilitates the deployment of the covering 16 as theplurality of extensions 20 expand radially from the collection container18. Also, this connection between the attachment ends 42 and the sleeves40 facilitate the collection of the covering 16 when the plurality ofextensions 20 are retracted.

[0060] The covering 16 includes reflective fabric that is substantiallyopaque to sunlight. In a preferred embodiment, the covering 16 isexposed to at least two layers of reflective fabric that is nearlyopaque to sunlight. The outer layer of these two layers is also highlyreflective. The covering 16 could also be designed with several openings(not shown) to prevent damage from the wind

[0061] The control system 44 of the device 10 controls the operation ofa motor 22 and the movement of the top 28. The control system 44 canalso be described as electrical control system 44 that directs theoperation of the device 10 in a proper sequence. The control system 44includes conventional limit switches that determine when the motorsshould be turned off. In a preferred embodiment, the control system 44of the device 10 is connected to the central locking system (not shown)of the automobile 14 so that when the doors 15 of the automobile 14 arelocked, the device 10 will deploy the covering 16 automatically.Similarly, when the doors 15 are unlocked, the device 10 will retractthe covering 16. In an alternate embodiment, an override switch (notshown) is available to prevent the deployment of the covering 16.

[0062] The extension and retraction of the plurality extensions 20 isaccomplished through the winding and unwinding of the plurality ofextensions 20 around the drum 18. The semi-stiff yet malleable nature ofthe plurality of extensions 20 allows the collection or winding of theseextensions 20 around the collection container 18. However, at the sametime the plurality of extensions 20 are stiff enough to project outwardfrom the drum 18 as the drum 18 rotates in a direction counter to thecollection direction. That is one direction of rotation for the drum 18collects the plurality of extensions 20, while the opposite direction ofrotation for the drum 18 deploys or extends the plurality of extensions20.

[0063] As seen in FIG. 5, the collection container 18 includes aplurality of disk 46 at a plurality of spacers 48 positioned between theplurality of disk 46. The configuration of the spacers 48 and the disk46 form collection openings 50 or collections spools 51, sized toreceive the plurality of extensions 20 as the collection container 18rotates. In a preferred embodiment, the drum 18 is composed of fourdisks 46 each of which is about 8.5 inches in diameter and {fraction(1/16)} to ⅛ inch in thickness.

[0064] As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the device also includes a plurality ofguides 52 engaging the plurality of disk 46 that comprised the drum 18.The plurality of guides 52 directs the plurality of extensions 20 intoand out of the collection openings 50 of the collection container 18.The plurality of guides 52 rotate in an opposite direction from therotation of the drum 18 as the drum 18 rotates. This rotation reducesthe amount of friction within the device 10 and facilitates easierdeployment and retraction of the plurality of extensions 20. In apreferred embodiment there are 10 guides 52 and each guide 52 has disklike members aligned to create four circumferential grooves, theinternal diameter of each circumferential groove being about ½ inch.

[0065] As seen in FIG. 9, one embodiment of the device 10 includesplurality of tracks 54 operatively extending from the base 24 andposition to guide the covering 16 during deployment of the device 10. Inone embodiment, the tracks 54 extend to the four corners of theautomobile 14. The tracks are used to facilitate the correct alignmentof the covering 16 over the windows 12 of the automobile 14.

[0066] The tracks 54 also facilitate holding the covering 16 in placeduring deployment of the device 10 in inclement weather. This can beaccomplished through the use of a plurality of sliding guides 56attached to the covering 16 and position in the tracks 54 to guide thecovering 16 during deployment. A sliding guide 56 is shaped to fitwithin the tracks 54 and travel along with tracks 54. A fastener 58,also known as an eyebolt 58, extends from each sliding guide 56 toengage one of the extensions 20 during deployment of device 10.

[0067] The fasteners 58 are fixed into place in the covering 16, yet arefree to move along the length of one of the tracks 54 and along thelengths of one of the extensions 20. This connection facilitatesmovement of the sliding guides 56 along the one of the tracks 54 as thecovering 16 is deployed. When multiple sliding guides 56 are used alongeach track 54, the distance between each sliding guide 56 is fixed suchthat the covering 16 is substantially held in place upon deploymentsince the sliding guides 56 only have one degree of freedom. Namely,that degree of freedom is along the length of the track 54 to which thesliding guide 56 engages.

[0068] As seen in FIG. 10, an alternate embodiment of the device 10includes cables 21. The cables 21 are positioned within a plurality oftracks 55 that extend from the base of the front windshield to the baseof the rear glass. The cables 21 are attached to the cloth 16 and arerouted around an end cylinder 60 and a drum 18. Rotation of the drum 18causes both rotation of the cable 21 around the end cylinder 60 and thedrum 18 and movement of the cloth 16 from its collected position as seenin FIG. 10a to its extended position as seen in 10 c. In this embodimentof the device 10, the device 10 can be positioned on or in the trunk 13of the automobile 14 or in or on the hood 11 of the automobile 14.

[0069] In an alternate embodiment, the covering 16 of the device 10includes an inflatable section 62 providing additional insulationproperties to the covering 16 to help reduce heat transfer into theautomobile 14. In this embodiment, the inflatable section can bedesigned such that it raises a portion of the covering 16 off of theautomobile 14 to reduce heat transfer and to the automobile 14.

METHODS

[0070] Several methods are also disclosed. The first of which includesdeploying a covering 16 over the windows 12 of an automobile 14. Thismethod includes attaching a covering 16 to a plurality of extensions 20and radially extending the plurality of extensions 20 from a centralizedlocation 18. This radial extension does not have to continue preciselyin a radial direction throughout the entire extension. The covering andextensions can be adapted to conform to the automobile 14 in question inorder to provide coverage over the windows 12 of the automobile 14.

[0071] A method of collecting a covering 16 from the windows 12 of anautomobile 14 is also disclosed. This method includes attaching acovering 16 to a plurality of extensions 20 and radially retracting aplurality of extensions 20 to a centralized location 18. Once again thisretraction does not have to be only in a purely radial direction and caninclude winding the plurality of extensions 18 around the centralizedlocation 18.

[0072] Another method for covering the windows 12 of an automobile 14 isdisclosed. This method comprises attaching a covering 16 to a pluralityof cables 20, attaching the cables 20 around a plurality of cylinders16, routing the plurality of cables 20 along at least one track 55, androtating the plurality of cylinders 60. This method provides forretracting and extending the covering 16 through opposite rotation ofthe cables 23. For example, a counterclockwise rotation would deploy thecovering, while a clockwise rotation would retract the covering. Thisseparated rotation can be accomplished through a series of clutches andgears used to facilitate rotation of a centralized location 18 whileallowing the free rotation of an adjacent part of the centralizedlocation 18.

[0073] Thus, it is seen that the apparatus of the present inventionreadily achieves the ends and advantages mentioned as well as thoseinherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments of the inventionhave been illustrated and described for purposes of the presentdisclosure, numerous changes in the arrangement and construction ofparts may be made by those skilled in the art, which changes areencompassed within the scope and spirit of the present invention asdefined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automated device for covering the windows ofan vehicle, comprising: a collection container a plurality of extensionsattached to the collection container; a motor attached to the collectioncontainer to rotate the collection container, whereby rotation of thecollection container extends and retracts the plurality of extensions;and a covering attached to the plurality of extensions and sized tocover the windows of the automobile.
 2. The device of claim 1, furtherincluding a based attached to the collection container and positioned toengage the vehicle.
 3. The device of claim 1, further including a topattached to the collection container and positioned to retain thecovering when the plurality of extensions are retracted.
 4. The deviceof claim 3, wherein the top further includes: a cylinder; a lid; aplurality of rods extending radially from the cylinder; and a pluralityof adjustable adjuncts hinged to the lid, each adjunct attached to oneof the rods, whereby rotation of the cylinder opens and closes theplurality of adjustable adjuncts.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein thetop includes: a lid; and a lifting motor attached to the lid andpositioned to raise and lower the lid.
 6. The device of claim 1,wherein: extension of the plurality of extensions deploys the covering;and retraction of the plurality of extensions collects the covering. 7.The device of claim 1, wherein the covering includes a plurality ofsleeves and each extension is positioned within one of the sleeves. 8.The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of extensions includesattachment ends connecting each extension to the covering.
 9. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the covering includes reflective fabric.
 10. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the reflective fabric is substantially opaqueto sunlight.
 11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controlsystem controlling the operation of the motor.
 12. The device of claim1, wherein the plurality of extensions comprises semi-stiff metalstrips.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the collection containerfurther includes: a plurality of disks; and a plurality of spacerspositioned between the plurality of disk to form collection openings,the collection openings sized to receive the plurality of extensions asthe collection container rotates.
 14. The device of claim 13, furtherincluding a plurality of guides directing the plurality of extensionsinto the collection openings of the collection container.
 15. The deviceof claim 1, further including a plurality of tracks position to guidethe covering during deployment.
 16. The device of claim 15, furtherincluding a plurality of sliding guides attached to the covering andpositioned in one of the tracks to guide the covering during deployment.17. The device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of extensions arecables.
 18. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is attached to theroof of the vehicle.
 19. The device of claim 1, wherein the device ispositioned in the trunk of the vehicle.
 20. An automated device forcovering the windows of a vehicle, comprising: a base; a drum attachedto the base; a top attached to the drum; a plurality of malleable stripsattached to the drum; a cloth attached to the plurality of malleablestrips and sized to cover the windows of the vehicle; a motor attachedto the drum to rotate the drum, whereby rotation of the drum extends andretracts the plurality of malleable strips; and wherein extension andretraction of the plurality of malleable strips deploys and collects thecloth.
 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the top further includes: acylinder; a lid; a plurality of rods extending radially from thecylinder; and a plurality of adjustable flaps hinged to the lid, eachflap is attached to one of the rods, whereby rotation of the cylinderopens and closes the plurality of adjustable flaps.
 22. The device ofclaim 20, wherein the top includes: a lid; and a lifting motor attachedto the lid and positioned to raise and lower the lid.
 23. The device ofclaim 20, wherein the covering includes a plurality of sleeves and eachmalleable strip is positioned within one of the sleeves.
 24. The deviceof claim 20, wherein each malleable strip includes an attachment endconnecting each malleable strip to the cloth.
 25. The device of claim20, wherein the cloth includes reflective fabric substantially opaque tosunlight.
 26. The device of claim 20, wherein the drum includes: aplurality of disks a plurality of spacers positioned between theplurality of disks to form collection spools sized to receive theplurality of malleable strips as the drum rotates; and a plurality ofguides directing the plurality of malleable strips into the collectionspools of the drum.
 27. The device of claim 20, further including aplurality of tracks operatively extending from the base; and a pluralityof sliding guides attached to one of the tracks, engaging at least oneof the malleable strips, and position to guide the cloth to cover thewindows of the automobile.
 28. An method of deploying a covering overthe windows of an automobile, comprising: attaching a covering to aplurality of extensions; and radially extending the plurality ofextensions from a centralized location.
 29. An method of collecting acovering from the windows of an automobile, comprising: attaching acovering to a plurality of extensions; and radially retracting theplurality of extensions to a centralized location.
 30. An method forcovering the windows of an automobile, comprising: attaching a coveringto a plurality of cables; attaching the plurality of cables around aplurality of cylinders; routing the plurality of cables along at leastone track; rotating the plurality of cylinders.